Utah Archives

Man sentenced to possible life in prison for fatal shooting of University of Utah football player

Salt Lake City, Utah – In a courtroom in Salt Lake City, the man responsible for the tragic death of University of Utah football player Aaron Lowe faced his sentencing, potentially facing a lifetime behind bars. Last month, Buk Mawut Buk pleaded guilty to the murder of Lowe and the attempted murder of another individual during a house party in Salt Lake City on September 26, 2021. During the sentencing, Buk expressed remorse and apologized …

Utah Home Evacuated After Large Cache of Ancient Dynamite Detonated, Residents Safe

HOLLADAY, Utah – In a dramatic turn of events, authorities in Holladay, Utah, detonated a cache of “ancient dynamite” found in a residential home. The situation prompted the evacuation of the neighborhood due to safety concerns during the controlled explosion. The Unified Fire Authority initiated the emergency evacuation as crews worked to prepare for the detonation. The discovery of a substantial amount of old dynamite led to the initial evacuation on Tuesday afternoon. With the …

Health Alert Issued After Nine Beavers Found Dead in Utah Counties

PARK CITY, Utah – Recent discoveries of deceased beavers in Utah have prompted health alerts from wildlife officials. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources revealed that nine dead beavers, with three testing positive for tularemia, were found across various counties in Utah, including Summit and Wasatch counties, raising concerns for public safety. Tularemia is an infectious disease that poses a risk to both wildlife and humans, urging the public to report any sightings of deceased …

Utah Woman Accused of Poisoning Husband Could Lose $2M in Assets Due to Proposed Law

Kama, Utah – A woman from Kama, Utah, is facing serious legal troubles after being accused of poisoning her husband with a fentanyl-laced drink. Kouri Richins, 33, allegedly served her husband, Eric Richins, a fentanyl-laced Moscow mule on March 3, 2022, resulting in his death. The case has sparked controversy and legal implications, with Utah State Representative Brett Garner proposing a new law to prevent convicted murderers from benefiting financially through prenuptial agreements. If the …

Utah Woman Accused of Attempting to Poison Husband Twice Before Fatal Incident Now Faces Another Murder Charge

A Utah woman is now facing another attempted murder charge for allegedly drugging her husband weeks before fatally poisoning him in 2022. Kouri Richins, accused of killing her husband with a lethal dose of fentanyl in their mountain town near Park City, has been charged with an earlier attempt on his life on Valentine’s Day. According to newly filed charging documents by Summit County prosecutors, the months leading up to Eric Richins’ death were fraught …

Neighbor Reflects on Tragic House Explosion in American Fork, Utah

AMERICAN FORK, Utah – The tight-knit community of American Fork is grappling with the aftermath of a tragic house explosion that claimed the life of a beloved resident. The incident, which took the life of 78-year-old Kathy Harrison, has left neighbors and friends in shock and mourning. In the wake of this heartbreaking event, neighbors like Jim Hopkinson are reflecting on their fond memories of Harrison and the impact she had on the community. Hopkinson …

Utah Father Charged with Murder After 3-Month-Old Baby’s Tragic Death

Salt Lake City, Utah – A tragic case has unfolded as a young father faces murder charges after his three-month-old baby girl died under suspicious circumstances. Israel Levi Gonzalez Gomez, 21, is accused of first-degree felony murder, child abuse with injury, and child abuse homicide in connection with the death of his daughter, Dariana Gonzalez-Samano, on February 22nd. The baby’s mother, Andrea Samano Galeana, 20, is also facing charges in the case. The heartbreaking incident …

Utah Parents Face Felony Charges in Tragic Death of 3-Month-Old Daughter

WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah – A tragic story unfolds as Utah authorities charge a father and mother for their alleged involvement in the death of their 3-month-old daughter, who succumbed to injuries consistent with child abuse. The baby, identified as Dariana Elizabet Gonzalez-Samano, was taken to Primary Children’s Hospital in serious condition on Feb. 19. Medical professionals at the hospital noted that the infant suffered three cardiac arrests before being admitted. A CT scan revealed …

Utah Boy Dies in Tragic Outdoor Fire Explosion

WEST POINT, Utah – The tragic death of a 12-year-old boy in a backyard fire explosion has left his family and community in mourning. Treyson Porter died after accidentally setting off an explosion while trying to make hot dogs near a fire pit in West Point, according to the North Davis Fire District. The incident took place on Monday afternoon in the area of 940 N. 5000 West, where Treyson brought a gasoline can near …

Utah Lawmakers Push for Tougher Penalties for DUI Fatalities, Prompting Emotional Testimony from Victims’ Families

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Lawmakers in Utah took the first step on Monday towards imposing longer prison sentences for drunk drivers who cause fatal accidents. The proposed legislation would increase the minimum sentence from one to fifteen years to five to fifteen years. The bill, known as House Bill 273, received its first hearing at the Capitol, drawing the attention of individuals who have lost loved ones to drunk driving incidents. One of those …